Meet the Senior Leadership Team of Dubai British School Jumeira
Joanna Yardy
Physical Education Teacher
Joanna Yardy
Physical Education Teacher
I am thrilled to join the Dubai British School Jumeira community as a Physical Education Teacher.
I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Physical Education Secondary with QTS from the University of Bedfordshire. I have over 10 years teaching experience and started my career working in schools within the UK before embarking on a move to teach internationally in Shanghai, China and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I will be moving to Dubai with my family from the UK.
I have experience working with students from early years to year 13, specialising in swimming, dance, and exercise physiology. I am very passionate about sport having competed at national and master’s level within swimming. My teaching philosophy is centred around creating an engaging and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.
In the classroom, you can expect a teacher who is caring, enthusiastic, patient, and dedicated to fostering a love for learning. I strive to tailor my teaching methods to suit the diverse needs of my students, ensuring that everyone can thrive. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy taking part and watching a variety of sports. I also love to read, and you can often find me reading in the pool combining both of my passions. I also love spending time with my family and getting outdoors.
I am excited to join DBSJ at the start of the school’s journey and cannot wait to meet all the students and their families at the start of term and share my passion for sport and love of learning with our vibrant community!
Daniel Nicholson
Secondary PE Teacher
Daniel Nicholson
Secondary PE Teacher
Hello! I’m Mr. Daniel Nicholson, and I am very excited to be joining Dubai British School Jumeira as part of the founding secondary team, where I will be teaching Physical Education.
I bring with me 5 years of teaching experience, 3 of which were spent in Kuwait, giving me valuable insight into both UK and international education. My passion for sport and working with young people began at Leeds Beckett University, where I completed my degree in Sports Coaching. I then continued my studies at Edge Hill University, gaining my PGCE in Secondary Physical Education.
Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to teach students across a wide range of age groups. I always strive to make PE engaging and enjoyable, ensuring that every lesson is active, inclusive, and leaves students with a positive experience of sport and physical activity.
Outside of school, I am a keen sportsman myself. I enjoy playing football, cricket, golf, and padel, which helps me stay connected to the sports I love and bring that enthusiasm into my teaching.
What excites me most about joining DBSJ is the opportunity to make full use of the school’s excellent facilities to deliver outstanding sporting experiences. Whether that’s introducing students to new sports, running inter-school competitions, or encouraging healthy lifestyles, I am passionate about helping every child find enjoyment and confidence through physical activity.
I am looking forward to becoming part of the DBSJ community, working alongside colleagues, parents, and most importantly, our students. Together, we can inspire a love of sport and an appreciation of the benefits of an active lifestyle. I can’t wait to see all that we will achieve in the year ahead.
Fiona Root
Performing Arts
Fiona Root
Performing Arts
I am Fiona Root, a passionate educator and performing arts teacher who is thrilled to be joining the community at Dubai British School Jumeira.
My teaching journey began with studies at the University of Leeds, and I’ve since had the pleasure of teaching in schools across the UK and UAE in various roles across the whole school. My main focus is on nurturing children’s collaborative skills and self-confidence through various channels relating to the performing arts. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing a child enjoy taking part and enjoying being part of a production, whatever the size and scale.
When I am not in school, I am an avid Latin American and ballroom dancer. I also enjoy hiking, and yoga. Beyond teaching, I’m deeply committed to animal rights and am a long-term vegetarian. I am excited to bring my enthusiasm for education and creativity to DBSJ. I look forward to working together to create a vibrant and inspiring learning environment where every child can thrive!
Rebecca Cox
Visual Arts
Rebecca Cox
Visual Arts
Hi everyone! My name is Miss Rebecca Cox and I am thrilled to be the Founding Art Teacher at Dubai British School Jumeira.
I am looking forward to creating many memorable moments with all of our students.
I am originally from Fife, Scotland, where I studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, earning a BDes(Hons) in 2015. After spending several summers as an Au Pair and working as an Art Specialist at summer camps, I decided to pursue my passion of working with children and completed a PGDE in Primary Education at the University of Dundee in 2017.
I moved to Dubai in 2019 and have since taught across EYFS and Primary levels, following the U.K. curriculum. I have loved every minute of it! As an educator, I foster a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and child-led exploration, providing children with opportunities to independently explore and discover.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy dabbling in a variety of crafts and love to travel. Exploring new cultures and cuisines is a passion of mine, with my favourite counties (so far) being Iceland and Vietnam. I love spending time with friends and family, whether it’s cycling along the beach or enjoying coffee and cake together.
I love to read and completed 30 books last year; this year, my goal is 35. My favourite children’s book is “”Matilda”” by Roald Dahl. I admire how Dahl weaves positive messages about kindness and standing up for what is right into his whimsical storytelling.
I’m excited to join the DBSJ community and embark on this creative journey with our students. I look forward to collaborating with families to nurture our students’ growth, creativity and love for the arts.
Mais Habeel
Arabic B Teacher
Mais Habeel
Arabic B Teacher
Hello! My name is Mais Habel, and I am delighted to join the vibrant community at Dubai British School Jumeira as your new Arabic B teacher. I studied bachelor’s degree in literature at Aleppo University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Following this, I completed my professional postgraduate diploma in teaching at Ajman University in the UAE. With over ten years of teaching experience, I have had the pleasure of working with students from diverse backgrounds in Syria and internationally.
Throughout my career, I have primarily worked with students aged 4 to 16, I believe in creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment where students feel motivated to explore the Arabic language and have fun while connecting it to real life. Seeing my students use the language daily brings me immense joy. My teaching approach is student-centered, focusing on interactive activities, real-life connections, and fostering a love for learning.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy participating in sports and swimming. I also love listening to music and cooking, especially sweet foods. My favorite children’s book is “”The Wonderful Things You Will Be”” by Emily Winfield Martin. I love this book because it conveys a message of unconditional love, acceptance, and encouragement from parents or caregivers to their children. It teaches us to believe in and support them.
I am eager to join the DBSJ community and look forward to creating a dynamic and inspiring learning environment for our students. I am particularly excited to meet the students, engage with the school’s diverse community, and contribute to a positive and innovative learning atmosphere. Let’s embark on this exciting journey of learning together!
Anhar Sanouri
Arabic A/B Teacher
Anhar Sanouri
Arabic A/B Teacher
Hello! My name is Anhar Sanouri, and I am delighted to introduce myself as your new Arabic teacher here at DBSJ.
With a degree in Arabic Language and Literature from Palestine, my journey has brought me to the vibrant city of Dubai. I have had the pleasure of teaching at Kings’ School Dubai for many years before moving to Arcadia School, where I cherished the opportunity to work in such an inspiring environment.
My teaching experience spans both primary and secondary school levels. I particularly enjoy engaging with younger students through playful learning and exploring more advanced concepts with older students. My specialty lies in teaching Arabic and its skills in a fun and joyful manner, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable.
As your teacher, you can expect a lot of creativity and encouragement to explore more. I believe in the power of expression and will guide you to build your character first, then produce many wonderful masterpieces while thinking outside the box.
Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my family, going on new adventures with my husband and daughters. One of my favorite pastimes is reading the Arabic translations of Harry Potter stories, as they offer a magical escape into a world of imagination. I also enjoy sports and trying out different cuisines, which add a sprinkle of excitement to my life.
Joining DBSJ fills me with great excitement, and I look forward to sharing these new experiences with all of you. Together, we will enjoy learning Arabic through innovative and enjoyable methods. Let’s embark on this exciting journey of discovery and fun!
Samaa Alabed
Arabic A Teacher
Samaa Alabed
Arabic A Teacher
My name is Samaa Alabed, I am truly looking forward to joining Dubai British School Jumeirah as an arabic teacher.
In 2005, I graduated from the University of Damascus with an Arabic Language & Literature Bachelor’s degree. I have also went on to earn numerous certifications in various fields, such as earning my Professional Diploma in Happiness, Positivity and Quality of Life, becoming a Trainer of Happiness, Positivity and Quality of Life, earning my Educational Diploma Degree, becoming an embassador of happiness, and many others. Having 13 years of teaching experience, I have enjoyed educating students of various ages and from a variety of different backgrounds!
Since the commencement of my career, I have taught children aged 3-12 Arabic. My experience has shaped my belief in the fact that it is crucial to create a comfortable, engaging, and interactive atmosphere within the classroom to allow students to learn in an efficient manner. Hence, my teaching style revolves around interactive entertaining activites, specifically active learning.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and reading, as such activities serve as a window for me to experience new cultures. When it comes to reading, I enjoy reading and writing stories, as I am an author of children stories, yet my favourite story books so far are “Amira al khatira”, written by myself, and “Bila Quba’a” authored by Lateefa Buti, which is a story I have previously taught and really enjoyed!
I am truly looking forward to joining DBSJ, and getting to know my new students, in addition to creating a personalized enjoyable learning environment for them. Additionally, I am most excited about engaging in the DBSJ community, and watching my students gradually develop linguistically as learners of Arabic. Let’s embark on this enriching journey of teaching and learning together!
Ahmed Gomaa
Arabic B Teacher
Ahmed Gomaa
Arabic B Teacher
I was born and raised in Egypt, where I pursued my higher education at Bani Sweif University. I graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature from the Department of Arabic Language.
With a passion for teaching, I began my career at an international school, where I successfully completed a professional program for teacher development. Over the past years, I have been an integral part of several prestigious schools in Dubai, including International Baccalaureate (IB) schools and British schools, where I contributed to enhancing the role of the Arabic language and Arab culture within global educational settings. I have also developed and led numerous discussion sessions that enriched my students’ learning experiences and deepened their understanding of Arabic culture.
My teaching philosophy goes beyond the simple transfer of knowledge. I am dedicated to nurturing young minds to achieve their maximum potential, ensuring that every child receives a first-class education that empowers them to become pioneers and leaders within their communities. My approach aligns with both the International Baccalaureate framework and the British curriculum, promoting a global context based on research, diverse perspectives, and the IB learner profile to create a better world and foster stronger skills.
In addition to my core teaching duties, I am actively engaged in extracurricular activities. I am keen to share my cultural knowledge during free learning periods or through various school events. My interests include organizing cultural exchange programs, leading Arabic language clubs, and facilitating after-school enrichment activities that foster a deeper appreciation of Arab culture among students.
I am committed to contributing to the school community beyond my teaching responsibilities, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience that enriches students’ educational journeys.
Lina Osama Nasser
Islamic A Teacher
Lina Osama Nasser
Islamic A Teacher
Hello! My name is Lina Nasser, and I am delighted to join the vibrant community at Dubai British School Jumeira as your new Islamic Education teacher.
I studied Sharia and Islamic Jurisprudence at the University of Sharjah, where I earned my bachelor’s degree, and I am currently completing my master’s degree. With over ten years of teaching experience, I have had the honor of working with students from diverse backgrounds in the UAE.
Throughout my professional career, I have worked across all age groups from Grade 1 to Grade 12. I believe that a teacher should not merely instruct but should create an immersive and engaging classroom environment where students can explore and enthusiastically retain knowledge. My teaching approach is student-centered, focusing on interactive activities, storytelling, and real-life applications to make learning enjoyable and meaningful.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy challenges and renewal. I start my mornings with reading and enjoy spending my free time engaging in sports and discovering new healthy recipes because I love cooking and trying out diverse dishes from different cultures. I also enjoy shopping and spending quality time with my family.
I am excited to join the Dubai British School Jumeira community and look forward to creating a dynamic and inspiring learning environment for our students. I am particularly eager to interact with the school’s diverse community and contribute to our students’ growth. I will always strive to build a relationship of love, compassion, and friendship with my students to unleash their talents and help them achieve their aspirations, as these young stars will be our future support. Let’s embark on this exciting learning journey together!